Ever changed a tyre? Checked the oil, or upgraded your wipers? Here's how it's done – plus three tricks every woman should have up her sleeve...

Change A Tyre
Make sure you have a spare tyre, jack and warning reflector (or puncture kit), and remember to check the pressure of your spare tyre regularly. It's a good idea to slightly loosen the lug nuts before you jack up the car. Note: your handbrake must be on! To be on the safe side, slide your spare tyre underneath the car while you're busy in case the jack slips or fails. Tip: if you're going on a long trip, take your car to a tyre specialist and ask them to loosen, then tighten, the lug nuts to correct torque, so if you do need to chance the tyre, you’re able to undo them.

Check The Oil And Water
Only do this when your car is cold – never after driving, as the liquid can be boiling hot. With your car on a level spot, look under the bonnet for the oil dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it clean. Slide it all the way back in, wait a few seconds, then pull it out again. If the oil is below the minimum line, you need to top it up, but don't overfill it as this can damage your engine. Engine coolant (water) and antifreeze (in the correct ratio) are essential for preventing the engine from overheating. Look for the radiator reservoir underneath the bonnet – this is where the water and coolant go.

Change Your Wipers
Cars differ, so make sure you get the right size wipers. This info should be in the manual, and the auto parts store assistant can assist. Simply pop (or slide) on the new ones – it's easy and surprisingly rewarding.

Check Out The Battery
Every now and then, pop the bonnet and take a good look at your battery. Keep an eye out for corrosion around the connectors (a white/yellow or green powder). The best cleaning agent? Coca-Cola – seriously. Pour the Coke over the connectors, give them a wipe, then rinse with water. Just remember that you’re dealing with battery acid here, so be careful. If the battery needs to be topped off, only use distilled water.

Fix A Crack
Clear nail varnish is a great temporary solution to minor windscreen chips and headlight cover cracks. On the windscreen, dab varnish on and around a chip to keep it from turning into a giant crack. Then run your fingers over the headlight casings; if there are any cracks or chips, paint them too. You’re essentially waterproofing them, which prevents moisture from corroding the reflector and causing the bulb to blow.

Stop A Leak
If your radiator develops a slight leak, put two to three heaped teaspoons (or more) of turmeric or curry powder into it. The spices bond around the crack and will temporarily slow down, if not stop, the leak. Who would have thought?

Got questions about your car? Click here to ask them.